Why Your Intro DM's Aren't Working (And How to Fix Them)

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'Get into the DM and then book a call ASAP!'

That's often the expert advice given for converting connections into clients quickly!

However...using this approach when it's a brand spanking new connection, you've never even exchanged a like with...is also one of the fastest ways to get ignored, disconnected, even blocked.

Opportunity gone bye bye with the push of a button simply cause you rushed it with a person who doesn't know you...yet.

And I get it cause the online world moves at such a fast pace, you feel like you have to as well or someone else will snap up your clients before you even had a chance.

But there's a major cost to rushing:

• Missed opportunities: Rushing can lead to negative impressions and lost chances for meaningful relationships.
• Lack of trust: Without trust, potential clients are less likely to engage or become long-term partners.
• Stress: Increases chance of working with wrong fit clients

Building Trust: The Key to Success

Taking your time to build trust is far more effective for gaining new clients and fostering profitable opportunities like referrals, introductions, collaborations, and friendships.?

Let me share an example of how I built a relationship with Istvan Weisz using my EARN framework (more detail in?last week's email):

1. Engage: Start with meaningful interactions, such as commenting on posts or sharing relevant content.
2. Align: Find common interests or goals that align with your connection.
3. Relate: Share personal stories or experiences that resonate with your connection.
4. Nurture: Continue the conversation by showing genuine interest and support.

Graphic and web designer Istvan reached out after seeing my?live show with Michelle J Raymond, and we've had ongoing conversations since February.?

This led to him attending my networking event, becoming a YouTube subscriber, and even inviting others to the next event. I introduced him to a friend needing website help, showcasing the value of our relationship in just a month.

That's ?????? what I?mean by profitable opportunities. If either of us rushed for the sale, these other opportunities might not have happened, including this email.

Because on our recent Zoom call, he asked for advice on improving his intro DM message and gave me permission to share it to help you (THANK YOU Istvan ??).

Analyzing Istvan's DM: What Works and What Doesn't

Here's the message he's been sending:

'Thank you so much for your request to connect. I would also love to learn more about your business and what you do. If convenient, let’s schedule a call to introduce ourselves, gain a better understanding of each other’s businesses, and expand our professional network—strictly an introduction with no intent to sell, purchase, or conduct a sales pitch.'

While his message is clear about not being a sales call, there are two key issues:

1. Asking for a call too soon: Most people won't get on a call without prior conversations - they don't see value...yet.

Think about it - how often do you meet a random stranger on the street and immediately ask them to book an appointment just cause they said hello??

Instead, you would have a conversation to get to know them and if it was going well, you'd connect on social media and/or exchange phone numbers.

Treat online the same as you would in person.

2. Asking about their business: LinkedIn profiles provide ample information, so this comes across as lazy.

LinkedIn which has one of the most comprehensive profiles out of all the social media profiles + posted content.?

You should already know what they do and about their business BEFORE you even think to send them a DM, much less a call invite.?

5 Strategies for Improving DM Interactions:

1. Slow down: Start and keep the conversation going in DMs or comments first. This allows both parties to vet each other and see if there's mutual value.
2. Show genuine interest: Mention something that interested you from their profile or content.
3. Let conversations unfold naturally: Don't force outcomes.
4. Make it about them: Ask questions and be curious. Get to know them.
5. Start in comments: Begin interactions there to avoid being seen as a marketer, then move to DM to build a deeper relationship.?

When Istvan asked me 'then how do I get to tell what I do and offer?'?I suggested sharing a story about something happening in?his business when asked casual questions like 'How are you doing?'?

This approach builds trust and credibility without feeling salesy. For example, here's how I?answered when someone asked me about my day in a DM earlier this week:

'I'm doing a happy dance because one of the clients who attended my commenting workshop last week?implemented the VALUE framework I shared for constructing comments that convert over the last week and has already booked a call.'

Planting a seed for building trust and credibility

Without feeling icky, pushy, or salesy!

Building relationships and trust is crucial for converting connections into clients and fostering other profitable opportunities.?

By slowing down and engaging intentionally, you can create meaningful interactions that lead to lasting connections.

So, are you ready to slow things down and start having more intentional conversations??

Send me a DM on LinkedIn and tell me how your online conversations are going.?

If you need help crafting comments and intro DMs that convert connections into clients, let's schedule a call to create a message that resonates with your audience.

Heidi

P.S. Don't miss these upcoming events to join the conversation ??????

26 March - Connect & Collab networking event (Free but you must register to attend)

27 March - Are Your Standards Holding You Back From 6-Figure Success? with guest Lisa May Huby